HB-002
DebateProhibiting the Aquatic Resource Stewardship Act
Type: Bill
Fiscal Impact: Moderate
Introduced: Apr 13, 2026
Summary
An Act prohibiting the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to aquatic resource stewardship; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.
Full Text
WHEREAS the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a compelling interest in the orderly administration of aquatic resource stewardship;
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY:
SECTION 1. Legislative Findings and Declarations of Policy.
The General Assembly hereby finds that the aquatic resource stewardship in the Commonwealth requires responsive and efficient statutory governance. It is the declared policy of this Commonwealth to ensure that the regulatory framework governing said aquatic resource stewardship is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.
SECTION 2. Revenue Allocation.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this Act, or any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per violation per day. The Agency shall have authority to assess such penalties following a duly noticed administrative hearing conducted in conformance with KRS Chapter 13B.
SECTION 3. Reporting Requirements.
In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
SECTION 4. Definitions.
"Fiscal Year" means the twelve-month period commencing on July 1 of each calendar year and terminating on June 30 of the succeeding calendar year.
"Qualified Entity" means any person or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 3 of this Act.
"Governing Body" means the county fiscal court, the municipal legislative body, or such other local governmental entity vested with general legislative authority.
"Permit" means any licence, certificate, registration, approval, or other authorisation issued pursuant to this Act or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.
SECTION 5. Effective Date.
This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.
SECTION 6. Severability.
In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
Legislative Proceedings
9 entriesI am proud to present to this body HB-002, which I commend to the favourable attention of my colleagues.
I second the motion to introduce HB-002 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that HB-002 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
My constituents have spoken clearly on this matter. HB-002 reflects the will of the people and this chamber should act accordingly, without delay.
This is not a partisan matter. HB-002 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
The distinguished member who introduced this legislation is to be commended. HB-002 addresses long-standing deficiencies in our statutory framework and will materially benefit the people of this Commonwealth.
I cannot in good conscience support HB-002 without further committee review of its fiscal implications, which the Legislative Research Commission has not yet had adequate opportunity to assess.
After careful consideration of expert testimony and review of comparable legislation in sister states, the committee reports HB-002 favourably and without amendment.
I request the indulgence of this chamber for a brief closing statement on HB-002. This legislation has been long in coming and I am grateful for the collegial process that has brought it to this point.
Bill Progress
- Draft
- Debate
- Committee
- Floor Vote
- Other Chamber
- Governor
- Enacted